Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

375 Playing Along (Judy)

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"Mia," I begin smoothly, my voice laced with the warmth I've practiced for years. "I'm so pleased you are taking the time to learn the business. It's been quite refreshing having you around."

Mia meets my gaze, a hint of challenge in her expression. "This is my father's legacy, my legacy. Thank you for helping me."

There it is-the notion that this business is hers to shape, a piece of her inheritance to mold as she sees fit. I smile, keeping my tone steady and calm, though a flicker of irritation sparks beneath the surface.

I nod, careful to conceal my real thoughts. "I'm always here should you decide to sell."Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

She raises an eyebrow. "It seems to me that Brennan Industries is just as much a legacy for my sisters and Gabriel. I'm not sure anyone should sell."

So, she's catching on-realizing I'm angling for those shares. I force a smile, concealing the irritation bubbling within.

But she has no idea what I've sacrificed to bring Brennan Industries to where it is today.

"Mia," I say, softening my voice, "I turned this company around. Greg was too busy... distracted," I add delicately, "to be the driving force behind anything here." Mia doesn't flinch, but I see the slight narrowing of her eyes and it annoys me.

"Perhaps," she says slowly, her words calculated. "From what I've gathered, he had big plans, but he wasn't going to lose his family because of it."

Greg's grand ideas sunk us into debt. He ran through money like water, all while hiding a second life and family in Cuba.

"I'll be honest with you, Mia, those ambitions would've buried us if I hadn't stepped in. That's why I want to make sure Brennan Industries remains stable and strong."

Mia's expression remains composed, though I can tell she's watching me carefully. "And you think that means I should sell my shares to you?"

I smile. She's caught on quicker than I expected, but I keep my tone calm, almost motherly. "Not immediately, of course," I say, though the words are a lie. "You are here under my sponsorship to get your green card. That must be our first priority. Rest assured I will pay you above the recommended price."

"I'll think about it," she finally says, though I can tell she's not convinced. "But for now, I'll hold onto them. See what I can contribute here first."

A flicker of irritation tightens my body, though I force a gracious smile. "Of course. Take all the time you need," I say, though inwardly, my frustration simmers.

If she and her siblings hold on to those shares, they could fracture Brennan Industries. They don't understand the stakes-only I do. And I've sacrificed too much to let this company slip through my fingers.

The door opens, and Lance steps in, giving Mia a brief wink before his gaze settles on me. He's been

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watching her like a hawk since she arrived at the company, though his interest is personal.

I've noticed the way his eyes follow her, the slight shift in his demeanor when she's around. Lance may be good at his job, but he's not subtle when it comes to attraction.

"I'll see you later at home." I say to dismiss Mia.

As Mia leaves, I turn to him. "Lance," I say, a hint of warning in my tone, "don't let that little flirtation with Mia get in the way of your responsibilities to me."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly unbothered by my disapproval. "She's part of the family now, Judy. And I'm not the one bringing her here. You invited her. What'd you expect?"

"I expect you to keep your focus where it belongs-on this company's finances."

"I always do, you know that. Now why am I here?"

"Keep it professional, Lance. This family doesn't need any more complications."

He shrugs, clearly unfazed. "You are the root of the family complications, so take your own advice."

I consider firing back, reminding him of his place, but I hold back. Lance is too valuable to risk losing; he knows more about Jayden than anyone. I need him until I reveal those delicious photos.

Instead, I keep my tone even. "Just remember, Lance-Brennan Industries is mine. I built it, and I'll be the one who decides its future. Jayden will inherit it one day, yes, but I'll ensure he has a clean path to walk." Lance's smirk fades, his expression hardening. "Sure. Jayden wants this back like a hole in the head. You pushed him away, he won't be back. You're delusional,

Pushed him away? Nonsense. I've spent years protecting Jayden, securing his future, building something he can carry forward. I'm the only one who understands what's at stake. Winona is the one who ruined all of that. I watch him, keeping my expression neutral. "I trust his time in Brussels has been to his liking?"

"Why don't you ask him?"

I glare at him.

"I need the financial reports on my desk in the morning."

"What? You said next week. That will take me the rest of the night!"

"You best get started then."

He leaves in a huff and I love it when I can flex my muscles like that.

My phone rings. I answer it swiftly, recognizing the number of a contact who owes me more than a few favors. "This is Judy."

The voice on the other end sounds tense, apologetic even. "Mrs. Brennan, I'm calling about the arrangements you requested regarding Gus Brennan. Unfortunately..." he hesitates, choosing his words carefully, "I can't help you." I laugh. "I don't need to remind you of what you owe me, surely?"

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"It's...it's not that. I got you the time, but Gus has refused to see you according to the instructions he left."

I grip the edge of my desk, fighting the flash of anger rising within me. Refused me? Gus has the audacity to reject me?

My voice is cold, controlled. "Did he give a reason?"

"No, ma'am. But apparently the instructions do mention you by name. Under no circumstance -."

"Okay, okay, I get it."

"Sorry."

I manage a thin smile, though no one is here to see it. Thank you for letting me know," I say, keeping my tone polite. "That will be all."

The call ends, and I place my phone down, staring at the polished surface of my desk. My fingers press hard into the wood, and I feel the edges digging into my skin.

He's mistaken if he believes he can simply ignore me.

I let my

mind turn to Jayden. This recent time in Europe, settling into the family life with her by his side. But I still have one last card to play.

Images from this hall pass week. I need to find the perfect time in which to bring them to him. Jayden

think he's finally found peace with that woman, but he'll soon see how easily she betrayed him.

may

I need to focus on getting Mia up to speed so she can help run things while I'm gone.